The Future is Now: Why Ecommerce in NZ is Set to Explode In 2024, New […]
In 2024, New Zealand’s ecommerce market is projected to hit $6.53 billion. That’s up from $4.69 billion in 2022 (DHL). If you run an online business, you already know this isn’t slowing down. The question is – are you ready?
At Builtflat, we work with businesses across New Zealand to design high-performance ecommerce websites that convert. We’ve seen firsthand how shifting trends in website design, AI, mobile shopping, and omni-channel retail are reshaping ecommerce in Auckland, Wellington, and beyond. If you want to thrive in 2025, you need more than just a good-looking website – you need custom ecommerce service built for conversion, speed, and growth.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly where ecommerce is heading, what’s changing, and how your business can stay ahead.
Ecommerce stores have come a long way in New Zealand, and 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year. More businesses are moving online, consumer behaviour is shifting towards digital-first experiences, and technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace. But how does 2025 compare to 2024?
In 2024, we saw a rapid rise in online shopping, but businesses struggled with supply chain disruptions, high customer acquisition costs, and increasing competition. By 2025, these challenges are being addressed with better logistics technology, AI-driven personalisation, and a more streamlined digital experience for customers.
One key trend we’re seeing is the rise of composable commerce, where businesses are moving away from rigid, one-size-fits-all platforms and opting for more flexible, modular website designs. Another shift is the growing importance of first-party data, as privacy regulations tighten and businesses need better ways to understand and engage their target audience.
For businesses looking to succeed, it’s not just about being online – it’s about optimising every touchpoint of the customer journey, from website performance to post-purchase experiences.
New Zealanders are shopping more on their phones than ever before. In fact, 80% of online shoppers now use mobile devices to browse and make purchases (DHL). If your site isn’t optimised for mobile, you’re losing potential customers before they even reach checkout.
Builtflat’s recommendation: Invest in a truly mobile-first high performance website design. That means ensuring fast load times, seamless checkout experiences, and intuitive navigation that makes buying easy on any device.
Shoppers expect a personalised experience. According to BigCommerce, 64% of online shoppers want tailored recommendations, dynamic pricing, and AI-driven interactions. Personalisation is no longer a nice-to-have – it’s an expectation.
Our recommendation: Work with an ecommerce website design agency that integrates AI into your online store. A smart recommendation engine can increase sales and keep customers engaged longer with cost effective customer support, email marketing, shopping cart optimisation, and more!
Customers don’t just buy from one place anymore. They research on social media, check reviews, visit physical stores, and then make a purchase online in real time. Businesses need to ensure a seamless experience across all these touchpoints.
Our recommendation: Sync your ecommerce site with your physical store, social media channels, and marketplaces like Trade Me and Amazon. A strong omnichannel online presence ensures customers can interact with your brand however they prefer.
Fast-loading websites convert better. Google reports that 53% of visitors leave a site that takes longer than three seconds to load. If your site isn’t fast, you’re losing revenue.
One-size-fits-all website builders limit growth. A fully customised ecommerce website allows for better performance, superior SEO, and advanced features that can scale with your business.
Your ecommerce website needs technical SEO built in from day one. This includes structured data markup, optimised product pages, and schema for local businesses to ensure high visibility in search engines.
Our recommendation: Work with a New Zealand ecommerce web development company that understands local SEO and ecommerce best practices.
2025 is poised to be a defining year for ecommerce in New Zealand. Here’s what we anticipate:
Businesses and ecommerce websites in NZ that stay ahead of these trends will be in the best position to capture market share and drive long-term growth.
The ecommerce landscape in New Zealand is changing rapidly. Businesses that invest in speed, personalisation, and omnichannel strategies will stay ahead of the competition. The key to success in 2025 isn’t just being online – it’s about optimising every part of your customer’s journey for maximum engagement and conversion.
If you need a high-performance ecommerce website, Builtflat is here to help. We’re a web dev company specialising in bespoke website design, database-driven websites, and full-stack web development services tailored for the New Zealand market.
Feel free to contact us if you need a hand with your ecommerce needs or to book in a free SEO & website health audit available here.
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